6 Ways on How to Make Your Mattress Bed Bug Proof

Bed bugs, specifically, can leave bites that turn into painful red bumps on the skin and cause an allergic reaction in some people.

 

6 Ways on How to Make Your Mattress Bed Bug Proof

To keep these pests from getting into your mattress and biting you, we’ll share some useful tips on how to keep your mattress bedbug-proof.

 

1. Use a mattress protector

As the name suggests, mattress protectors are made to safeguard your mattress, and by doing so, can extend the bed’s lifespan. Mattress protectors can come in various materials such as polyester, down, and cotton. They’ll also typically include some sort of water-resistant fabric like vinyl or polyurethane.

Mattress protectors typically encase the entire mattress and can be opened and closed using a zipper. These layers of protection should help keep your mattress free from spills or stains that could seep into the inner material. 

A protector can also reduce allergens and irritants in the mattress, so you won’t have to clean your bed as often. If you have allergies, using a mattress protector is one of the best ways to improve your night’s sleep by reducing the likelihood of a reaction.

 

2. Wash sheets once a week in hot water

Since your mattress is one of the biggest pieces of furniture in your bedroom, it can be difficult to clean fully. Washing your sheets once a week will help you stay on top of any unwanted odors and keep irritating allergens at bay. Be sure to use hot water and dry them completely before putting your linens back on the bed. 

You should also stay diligent about washing other bedding items such as pillows, comforters, blankets, and the mattress itself.  You should wash the pillows and mattress at least every six months.

If you regularly use a blanket, you should consider washing it once a week or every two weeks. However, if you only use it occasionally, once every few months should be fine. You’ll want to clean your comforter two or three times a year, but if you have direct contact with it, the item will need to be washed more often.

 

3. Vacuum the mattress and box springs weekly

It’s also crucial to vacuum your mattress and box spring regularly to keep pests away.  Pests like ticks, ants, and bed bugs can hide in the seams of your mattress or box spring. It’s also a good idea to vacuum your pillows and furniture annually to keep them free from unwanted debris and dust. 

 

4. Clean up any clutter

Be sure to keep your bedroom clear of any clutter or mess. It’s best to get rid of all boxes, old magazines, and loose paper by tossing them out in the trash can.

Keeping things organized will give you a clear view of the room so pests won’t have anywhere to hide underneath your bed. Plus, your room will look better, and you are likely to feel more productive with a tidy sleep space.

 

5. Seal all cracks and crevices

Another helpful tip is to inspect your home’s foundation, doors, and windows for any cracks or holes. Then, using a caulking gun, you can seal off all entryways that lead into your bedroom from outside of your house. Sealing cracks and crevices reduces the number of exposed pathways for pests to enter your home.

 

6. Keep pets off the bed

You may love sleeping beside your pet, but if you’re concerned about bugs, you should keep them off your bed.  Pets can carry fleas and ticks around, and these pests can be a huge source of itchy bites and infections. Additionally, your pets may bring bed bugs into the home via their fur or paws if they’ve been outside.

If you want to make sure your dog or cat still has a cozy place to sleep, consider purchasing them a nice bed of their own. There are plenty of well-made,  comfortable beds for pets that are good for issues like arthritis or anxiety. 

 

Conclusion

The best protection against bed bugs is to stay ahead of the curve by keeping your bed fresh and clean. If you’ve spoken with anyone who’s dealt with bed bugs, you’ll know they are no walk in the park, so it’s good to prevent their emergence from the get-go. 

Washing your sheets and bedding regularly, along with vacuuming, will help maintain a clean space and deter the accumulation of bugs. Additionally, making sure pets stay off the bed, sealing cracks in the home, and investing in a good mattress protector should also minimize your risk of bed bugs. Lastly, removing unnecessary clutter can avert pests and improve the look of your bedroom.

Source: https://www.sleepadvisor.org/

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